NEARLYWED NEWS

Looking to get married on the most romantic day of the year? Hampshire countryside wedding venue Sandford Springs Hotel & Golf Club is offering a special Valentine’s Day package including red-carpet arrival, Bucks Fizz drinks reception, three-course wedding breakfast, overnight accommodation for the happy couple in one of the venue’s superior rooms, plus a whole lot more. For full details contact the venue and to find out all about their wedding facilities visit www.sandfordsprings.co.uk NEWS Nearlywed All the latest from around the region

FULL STEAM AHEAD

Olivia George bridal boutique is looking forward to 2022 and the chance to celebrate their second anniversary in their new home. Owners Michelle Savoy and Carolyn Maker moved the business to premises in Winchester during the first lockdown last year and put the time to good use getting the boutique ready. As well as a different location, they will also be starting out the new year with a mission to focus solely on plus-size bridal gowns. Although they already specialise in dresses up to size 28, they are phasing out their smaller samples and will only be stocking sizes from 14 to 34. “We’re really excited about this and our aim now is all about making sure we have plenty of styles for our brides to try on,” says Carolyn. Visit www.olivia-george.co.uk MOMENTS TO TREASURE

Romsey-based wedding photographer Dom Brenton (www.dombrenton.com) has teamed up with EVG Media to offer newlyweds-to-be a combined service capturing their day in photos and on film. “I’ve found that people are increasingly looking for a video of their wedding as well as photos but it’s difficult, if not impossible, for a single person to film lots of high-quality footage while taking all the photographs couples and their families want,” he explains.

Dom, who’s been covering weddings since 2017, joined forces with his friend Emma when he discovered she’d been doing videography as part of her day job and wanted to move into the wedding industry. After working together over the summer, they’re now looking forward to shooting many more weddings next year. Dom adds, “We both have a bright and airy style and Emma, brings a young, fun and bubbly personality to the mix which complements my understated approach. It’s a great combination that also simplifies things for our couples.” For details of their combined service call 07907 313 673 or email dom@dombrenton.com and mention Your Hampshire & Dorset Wedding to claim £100 off the full-day package. For videography enquires call 07817 363 521 or email EVGmedia@outlook.com

A DREAM COME TRUE

A big high five to Dorset’s Sarah Jane Bridal. Despite the recent tough times, owner Sarah Pardey has realised her dream of having her own bridal boutique and has celebrated the first anniversary of her new venture. She took over the former Sassy Brides shop in Poole in August 2020 after the previous owner retired. Her love of all things bridal stems from 20 years’ experience in the world of bridal hair and make-up. “I’ve always had an interest in wedding gowns and anything pretty, so when the opportunity arose to take over the shop it seemed like the perfect progression for me. I knew as soon as I stepped into the boutique that I wanted to do it,” she explains. “During lockdown it was very challenging but I kept myself busy creating a strong presence on social media, liaising with my suppliers, creating eye-catching window displays and keeping in regular contact with my brides.”

She’s put her own personal stamp on the boutique and given it a complete makeover to create a luxurious and relaxing feel. The extensive range of bridal, bridesmaid and flowergirl dresses and accessories have all been hand-picked for their individuality and wow-factor and to suit all styles and budgets. To mark her successful first-year anniversary, Sarah has also taken on two new designers Allure Romance by Allure Bridals and Ellis Bridals offering refreshing and exciting gowns for the modern contemporary bride. “The new labels are due to arrive early next year and I can’t wait to show them off to our brides as I know they will love them as much as me,” adds Sarah. To find out more visit www.facebook.com/sarahjanebridalboutique

SECRET GARDEN

Relax on your big day and discover the new Secret Garden at Hampshire’s Great Barn, Titchfield. One of the most historic wedding venues on the South Coast, the 15th-century oak building provides an elegant and impressive big-day backdrop. To add to its attractions, the Secret Garden is a new feature this year, providing a safe and secure, enclosed area for the little ones to play, while the grown-ups can relax over canapés and a glass of bubbly (or two). With beautiful flowerbeds, together with three olive trees, agapanthus and rose bushes, it’s a picture-perfect spot. The fragrant Rose Garden, is close by with wisteria and climbing roses along the wall, as well as colourful dahlias and other blooms. Themed around the Battle of Agincourt, where Henry V led his forces to victory in 1415, roses were planted to represent the English armies and lavender to symbolise the French soldiers.

The venue’s dedicated groundskeepers look after the lawns and garden beds, and seasonal planting ensures there’s colour throughout the wedding season. As well as all the fabulous photo opportunities the venue and grounds provide, you can also pose for standout shots against the backdrop of the historic Titchfield Abbey too.

For further details call 01329 556 156 or visit www.greatbarnweddings.co.uk BOOZY BAKES

The creative juices have been flowing at Dorset’s Magically Crafted Cakes. Owner Beth Carter has been working on a new autumn showstopper to add to their range of wedding creations. She says, “It’s my absolute favourite season; I love all the colours, crisp cool air and log-fire evenings, so my latest design had to be autumnal. The stone effect really helps the colours of the florals to pop!”

As well as being super busy with weddings, they’ve been working on tantalising new cocktail flavours too. “We already have Jack Daniels and rum and coconut on the menu, so we wanted to try some more daring alcoholic flavours,” reports Beth. Think piña colada, sex on the beach, watermelon and lime mojito and lemon and mint mojito; perfect for a summer wedding! To find out more visit www.magicallycraftedcakes.com

RAISE A GLASS

Sommelier and wine tutor Cécile Bergart of the Hampshire Wine School is on a mission to spread some winter cheer. Her quest is to find the perfect red wine and she wants you to join her in a virtual tasting; great for couples searching for a delicious big-day tipple. The online evening event is being run via Zoom in celebration of Beaujolais Nouveau 2021 on Thursday, 25th November. For a different winter tasting experience, she’s also hosting a port and cheese pairing evening on Saturday, 4th December in Southampton. For full details and to book your space visit www.hampshirewineschool.com